Contractor signs on to build Ashby high-rise

Pepper-Lawson Construction has signed on to build the 21-story residential high-rise planned for 1717 Bissonett at Ashby. The construction company will take the place of Linbeck, which is no longer associated with the project. Pepper-Lawson will serve as managing partner of a general contracting joint venture that also includes Hunt Building Co. of El Paso.

The high-rise will replace the Maryland Manor apartments, which should start coming down Thursday, said the developer, Buckhead Investment Partners. Last week, Buckhead became the target of a lawsuit filed by the Ashby neighbors.